Liverpool head coach Arne Slot assured fans that the dark strategy of Real Madrid will not unsettle vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold. Real Madrid have used the same strategy to lure Kylian Mbappe as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

The Spanish giant creates a media frenzy and uses every tactic to unsettle the players that they intend to add. Foreign clubs can negotiate and reach pre-contract agreements with players who are in the final season of their contract.

However, clubs can begin exercising that privilege on the first of January, with any earlier action prohibited for all clubs. Nevertheless, Real have used the unethical practice of creating a psychological environment around the players they want, showing no respect.

The Spanish giant have filled their squad with the best players from around the world twice in their successful past. While many fans cheer these “Galacticos”, the corrupt manoeuvring that allows them to achieve this remains an undeniably tainted truth.

Spanish publication Marca recently ran a front-page headline claiming that Liverpool “already knows that he [Trent] will not renew.” Marca are the personal enforcers of Real, using their media power to create chaos in the ranks of the rival clubs.

However, Slot told the media (via the Guardian) that such cheap unethical tactics do not unsettle players like Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool. He said:

“I think you underestimate our players. These players are used to being linked with all the top clubs on a daily basis, if they have contracts or not. If you think they’re disturbed by this interest then you don’t do justice to how strong they are mentally. This is part of our job. This is part of this world we are living in. You just focus on what you have to do. Maybe if you’re 17 or 18 years of age it could be difficult for you. But Trent has won the league, has won the Champions League; Virgil and Mo the same. I don’t think that is a problem for them to perform and that’s what we see at the moment because they’re playing really well.”

Trent has started the season strongly for the Reds, playing primarily in his natural position as a right-back. The 26-year-old has improved massively in defensive phases of the game under Slot, enjoying the new tactical style of play.

Slot emphasises the need for control and patience while maintaining the team’s structure in defence to quickly eliminate any spaces. The tactical approach has allowed Trent to use his playmaking skills while having a clear idea of defending his space.

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Liverpool need to find an amicable deal with their vice-captain to keep him at Anfield for years, particularly during his prime days. Losing their star asset and a local kid representing the Reds, especially to a bitter European rival like Real, is unacceptable for the Kopites.